Tell me about yourself!
I am a mother of three wonderful children, two boys and one girl. I am a middle school counselor in the Las Vegas area. I have been natural for over 15 years. I am a Cali girl, so I wore my hair pressed. I never knew my curl pattern or cared. I had long healthy hair, but after my third child, my hair started to thin and break. For the last five years, I wore sew in weaves for the fullness. December 2014, I decided to “fast” from my weaves and wear my hair natural. I was tired of the weaves and wanted to see my real hair for once.
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
My journey is still new. I decided against the big chop because I have a big head (smile) and I ‘m nervous about how I would look with short hair. It has been a struggle because I have to be patient detangling my hair or I will lose the length I have. My hair is past my shoulders. I have heat damage from the section left out when I wore weaves, so I have embraced the rod set. I am getting used to the wash day routine. It’s been good and bad. Mostly good because I am learning to embrace my natural beauty without all of the long weave. I have been receiving many compliments from women and men. The kids at my school compliment me often so it has made the journey easier to embrace. I was nervous I would look a hot mess.
Had you always embraced your texture?
No. I had not always embraced my texture that’s why I kept it straight for so many years. I was concerned about what others would think especially my husband at the time. I have always admired women who were “brave enough” to wear their natural hair. My hair texture is not as “rough” as I thought. My curl pattern is coming in so I have nice black girl hair. Whatever that means. On the serious side, I like my hair better than I thought I would.
H did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My kids like it and my family compliments my style and versatility. It has not been an issue. Even at church, I have natural girl conversations about products and styles. It’s fun! Even at work the women compliment me and want my hair. I appreciate the love.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
I have thick (especially in the middle) coarse, low porous hair, 4b/4c. Now I understand why some cream products sit on my hair and it takes two days for my hair to dry when I co-wash and put in a bun.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
The craziest thing I’ve done is the perm rods. It took over two hours the first time I did it in addition to the two hour pre-poo, wash and condition process. I was overwhelmed, but it turned out cute. Natural hair is a long process. I like to be different. I watch so many You Tube videos. I’m obsessed now. It’s fun!
What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest regret is that I didn’t do this sooner.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
When I am not wearing a protective style, I wash my hair and deep condition once a week. My hair is dry especially in this desert heat. I use grapeseed oil, coconut oil, olive oil and Castor oil. I put honey in my conditioner for extra moisturizing. I like SheaMoisture products and I use natural oils. I also use Design Essentials and the Creme of Nature Argan Oil line.
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
My favorite styles are crochet with Marley hair and perm rod set.
Who are your curl crushes?
Yolanda Renee
Curly Nikki
Tifdany Nichols Design
Curly Proverbz
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Depending on the style, I pineapple with a satin scarf or use a satin bonnet. When in a protective style, I make sure I tie up my hair with a satin scarf.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I maintain my length by using hair vitamins and being very gentle. I drink lots of water and I wear low manipulating styles.
Whats the best thing about being natural?
I am growing in confidence and care less about what people think about my hair. I rock my natural styles with my head held high, and I can change styles often so I am enjoying the journey so far. It’s been six months, no weave. I’m looking forward to the full effects of my true curl pattern.
Where can folks find you on the web?
Since I am new at this, I haven’t started a page or post my routines online. I just watch and learn, for now.
